Good video, I've been using the box for 18 months. It works well and makes an older "not smart" TV's Smart. with full Freeview Play functionality. You Tube is a nice bonus.
Got one last week!..It took 10 mins to install, really simple..I love it!..I also bought and installed a Roku Express 4 K for all my streaming needs.I was paying for BT TV..And sat down one day and thought why am I paying this extortionate price for a recorder, a few extra Freeview channels and BT films, etc that I have to pay extra for to watch? ..So I phoned up BT and canceled the TV subscription and sent their box back...What I have now is much better..I'm subscribed to Netflix and Prime and along with the Freeview, it gives me all I need...It's faster, better, and cheaper...Wish I'd done it ages ago...I reckon I was paying £70 per 1/4 for BT TV and their box rental..The Manhattan and Roku cost around £250 upfront and I will have paid for themselves after a year....Best thing I've done in ages.
Hi Mel, sorry if this is a really thick question but why do you need two boxes? We're moving to a new house and want to ditch virgin for wifi and go with Zen or plusnet and use a box to record freeview programmes, we also have Netflix, Disney and Prime subs. Any advice appreciated.
Does the remote require 'line of sight' to the box? I bought a Humax which I had planned to hide away with the 'One Connect' box on my Samsung TV, but the remote wouldn't work through the cabinet door (old Virgin TIVO remote worked flawlessly via network). The Humax had such a poor performance I ended up giving up on it after a couple of months and it is currently boxed up gathering dust. I would really like a Freeview alternative that matched the Virgin TIVO box for functionality and performance.
Hi brother, did work free TVs out of UK? in Iraq? or free TV work when connect to WiFi or only working with aerial ? TH-cam and TH-cam kids working with WiFi? thanks so much
if i bought a new freeview roko tv do i need to buy a recorder to pause etc and record. ? i'm paying sky 25 quid just to record/pause for my mum and she just watches freeview channels. Can i use wifi or do i need an arial
Hello. Thanks for the information. Can I ask a question? I have a virgin streaming box that does not record. However, the tv aerial picture is quite poor where we are. Do I have to rely on the tv aerial when recording programmes. If so does this unit upscale and improve the aerial picture if that makes sense ? thanks joe
@@IXISonTechthanks I have got a 1tb ordered as the price isn’t much different. I hope it’s fast and good like most of the reviews say. I am fed up with my Sky bills
You cant plug a satellite dish into this box, it just wont work. You'll either need to install an aerial, or buy a satellite box if you only have a satellite dish 👍
Are you able to press the record button when watching something? Point the remote at your phones camera & press the record button, you should see the IR flickering. Just to make sure the record button is working. Is it recordings that you're setting that aren't recording?
I was thinking the exact same thing. I want to say no. Freeview play seems like an app itself and within it, it can only direct you to other Freeview associated apps i.e BBC Iplayer, ItvX, My4 etc If you want NowTV & Freeview play, you may need 2 separate devices such as this freeview box + firestick, to switch between platforms as they will both be connected to the TV via HDMI. This could work for you go however, its likely that you will have 2 remotes (potentially 3rd to actually activate the TV itself) which could be inconvenient if you’re not very tech savy However I think the best way to get both Freeview & NowTV is to get a smart TV which will have the inbuilt platform to get most streaming apps e.g Netflix, TH-cam, NowTV, Freeview play This means you can seamlessly hop between Freeview & Now all with one remote and on your TV homepage. In the UK at somewhere like Currys, most modern TV’s are smart Tv’s, so that covers you for NOW TV, but you can see which TV’s include freeview/ freesat apps to watch your conventional Tv aswell Now I could be wrong but Im similarly going through the same thinking process and that seems to be my conclusion given all my research Hope this helps
Question. My tv is mounted on the wall with wires fixed into the wall. Can this work off HDMI only and a tv aerial in, does the white tv out need to be fitted as this would cause me issues with the wires being in the wall and not having this one
The TV out would only be needed if you wanted to watch freeview on your tv. If you're only going to be using the Manhattan to watch freeview, then you wont need to connect the TV out 👍
Thanks for the video, was going to buy one however after watching this I discovered I needed an aerial. Would I be able to use my sky dish? Unhook the sky box and use the same cable to connect the manhattan?.
No, this requires an aerial. Have a look to see if they do a Freesat version. You will need a Freesat box to record/watch with a satellite dish 👍 Thanks for watching 😉
Can I use this just through a standard TV aerial with no wi-fi. My mum doesn't have broadband so is happy simply to watch channels available via aerial and record as and when?
Its not Freesat, its Freeview. It'll only work with an aerial, not a satellite dish sorry. Not sure what tv broadcast system you use over there, but this will work with DVB-T & DVB-T2 transmissions. If you need satellite, looks for DVB-S & DVB-S2 for HD tv 👍
Yes, but you can only record 1 channel while watching another ONLY if the other channel is on the same duplex. Orrr, your tv has twin tuners (not many do, just freeview & feeesat).
More than likely the rainy weather ☹️ when it's raining where I am, some of my SD channels are choppy. Plus I know in some areas, HD channels have been removed ☹️ Try a retune when the weather is better 👍🤞🤞
I’ve done that mate retuned the box with no joy and it’s really nice here , what if I buy better cables to go from the box to the connection in the wall ? I’m in a new build house
I'm not 100% sure if the USA uses DVB-T or DVB-T2 broadcasts, I know you have ATSC or something like that over there. Plus the voltage in the UK is 240V 50hz whereas USA is 120V 60hz. If they sell this in the USA and you live in an area with good TV reception, then go for it 👍
Hi iv just got one of these. As I’m leaving sky. I’m trying to set it up using the sky dish but it will not pick anything up is this something you’ve come across before
This is a Freeview recorder and will only work with a rooftop/indoor aerial, it wont work with a satellite dish. You should've gone for a Freesat recorder to use with a satellite dish
@@IXISonTech Thanks for reply very much appreciated yes tried a new HDMI cable but where is or how do we find the audio switch to turn it off,having never set anything like this up before we are both novices at it.
Only if you're connecting it to an AV receiver/amp or a soundbar that doesnt have E-arc HDMI. Otherwise, just plug the HDMI in to your TV and the sound will come through your tv speakers from the Manhattan box 👍
Having had my Manhattan sat in a box for ages I’ve now found some time to install 😊. Can anyone advise me on how I connect my sound bar? Do I connect it to the Manhattan using the optical cable? Or do I leave it as it is by having the optical cable from my Samsung TV directly into the sound-bar (I.e does it still work that way) I’d appreciate any guidance here? Thanks Julze
Nice review, thanks but I feel the need to tell you that the eighth letter of the alphabet is pronounced 'aitch' and not 'haitch'. It so grates when I hear folk say 'haitch DMI, N haitch S' etc.
@@IXISonTech I too am British, only I was brought up to speak English. There is only one way and that is the right way irrespective to what you were 'taught'. Look in a dictionary....if you have one ;-)
Hi can you seriously help a stupid old woman. I've had this box sitting for probably couple of years now. Son stayed last year with his family. Said it was easy. Ok but didn't take time to show old person stupid with technology. Sorry. Smart tv maybe but am not. HD1 HD2 I just can't seem to get it. Thank you in advance much appreciated
No such thing has a high speed hdmi lead they either work or they don't & I have a 4K Tv & don't see the point because 4K is not broadcasted on Free View or normal channels
Good video, I've been using the box for 18 months. It works well and makes an older "not smart" TV's Smart. with full Freeview Play functionality. You Tube is a nice bonus.
Music in bk ground awesome !! Im practcing my guitar and i really enjoyed playing along while watching yr vid !
Got one last week!..It took 10 mins to install, really simple..I love it!..I also bought and installed a Roku Express 4 K for all my streaming needs.I was paying for BT TV..And sat down one day and thought why am I paying this extortionate price for a recorder, a few extra Freeview channels and BT films, etc that I have to pay extra for to watch? ..So I phoned up BT and canceled the TV subscription and sent their box back...What I have now is much better..I'm subscribed to Netflix and Prime and along with the Freeview, it gives me all I need...It's faster, better, and cheaper...Wish I'd done it ages ago...I reckon I was paying £70 per 1/4 for BT TV and their box rental..The Manhattan and Roku cost around £250 upfront and I will have paid for themselves after a year....Best thing I've done in ages.
Hi Mel, sorry if this is a really thick question but why do you need two boxes? We're moving to a new house and want to ditch virgin for wifi and go with Zen or plusnet and use a box to record freeview programmes, we also have Netflix, Disney and Prime subs. Any advice appreciated.
@@guydorrell5713 The Roku gives me extra channels I'm subscribed to that aren't installed on the Manhattan.
Can you view the bt sport channels 408 etc on it ? Or do bt limit sports to their own boxes?
Cheers for the vid mate. I am considering buying one of these and your explanation is very helpful. Thank you.
Great instruction blog, well done 👍🏻
I recommend a suitable RJ45 ethernet cable. This unit has an internet/ethernet connection other than wifi.
Well, I've bought one of these and enjoyed watching your video but I'm 77 so my grandson will be setting it up for me. 😂
Thank you. A useful video. Appreciate it.
please dont spoil with the music .
Totally agree, unwatchable unless muted
Hi thanks, will it recieve the 'TPTV encore' red button service ??
Does this come with an iPhone app so you can record when you are out and about like Humax does with th aurura?
If you are using WiFi do you need to plug in an ariel as well?
Hi can you tell me how to KEEP recordings please
Does the remote require 'line of sight' to the box? I bought a Humax which I had planned to hide away with the 'One Connect' box on my Samsung TV, but the remote wouldn't work through the cabinet door (old Virgin TIVO remote worked flawlessly via network).
The Humax had such a poor performance I ended up giving up on it after a couple of months and it is currently boxed up gathering dust.
I would really like a Freeview alternative that matched the Virgin TIVO box for functionality and performance.
Hi brother, did work free TVs out of UK? in Iraq?
or free TV work when connect to WiFi or only working with aerial ?
TH-cam and TH-cam kids working with WiFi? thanks so much
if i bought a new freeview roko tv do i need to buy a recorder to pause etc and record. ? i'm paying sky 25 quid just to record/pause for my mum and she just watches freeview channels. Can i use wifi or do i need an arial
Hi - Id like to see the Amazon Prime channel in the list of available channels when I press the red Freeview button- is this possible?
Excellent video thank you 🙏
Hello. Thanks for the information. Can I ask a question? I have a virgin streaming box that does not record. However, the tv aerial picture is quite poor where we are. Do I have to rely on the tv aerial when recording programmes. If so does this unit upscale and improve the aerial picture if that makes sense ? thanks joe
Hi, yes an aerial is needed to record. Otherwise you would just use the apps to watch programs off say BBC iPlayer or My5.
@IXISonTech thanks. But would the unit upscale the images? Would you know if we have a weaker area signal?
Can I get amazon prime on to it
Hi is MP4 the recording format and can you transfer them to a PC/Laptop or recording on usb drive?
Would there be any need to connect the rf out to the TV if using the HDMI cable?
If you want to use the built in Freeview on the TV, yes 👍 If not, then you don't need to connect it.
Does it have Netflix on it
Can I use this without an aerial and plug the box into my broadband box with ethernet?
Yes you can do that 👍
Can you download the on demand programmes or only view them? as I don’t know if I need the 1tb or 500gb.
You can only view in demand programs 👍 you cant download them in this recorder.
@@IXISonTechthanks I have got a 1tb ordered as the price isn’t much different.
I hope it’s fast and good like most of the reviews say.
I am fed up with my Sky bills
I only have satellite cables. Can I somehow use them for this box?
No, as this is a Freeview box. Manhattan do make Freesat boxes too tho 👍
@IXISonTech how could I get it to work please? Is there no cable converters etc?
You cant plug a satellite dish into this box, it just wont work. You'll either need to install an aerial, or buy a satellite box if you only have a satellite dish 👍
I'm having issues with my box the buttons keep freezing and I can't change the channels I've reset it and it still keeps happening after a while
Hi is there anything I am not doing in setup as I can't record anything
Are you able to press the record button when watching something?
Point the remote at your phones camera & press the record button, you should see the IR flickering. Just to make sure the record button is working.
Is it recordings that you're setting that aren't recording?
I don't have aerial antenna but do have a sky dish cables. Will it work with sky cables? Thank you
No, it'll only work with an aerial 👍
Do you know if it will allow you to add additional apps like NOWTV?
I was thinking the exact same thing. I want to say no.
Freeview play seems like an app itself and within it, it can only direct you to other Freeview associated apps i.e BBC Iplayer, ItvX, My4 etc
If you want NowTV & Freeview play, you may need 2 separate devices such as this freeview box + firestick, to switch between platforms as they will both be connected to the TV via HDMI. This could work for you go however, its likely that you will have 2 remotes (potentially 3rd to actually activate the TV itself) which could be inconvenient if you’re not very tech savy
However I think the best way to get both Freeview & NowTV is to get a smart TV which will have the inbuilt platform to get most streaming apps e.g Netflix, TH-cam, NowTV, Freeview play
This means you can seamlessly hop between Freeview & Now all with one remote and on your TV homepage.
In the UK at somewhere like Currys, most modern TV’s are smart Tv’s, so that covers you for NOW TV, but you can see which TV’s include freeview/ freesat apps to watch your conventional Tv aswell
Now I could be wrong but Im similarly going through the same thinking process and that seems to be my conclusion given all my research
Hope this helps
Hi - do I need to plug the aerial cable and the HDMI cable into the TV or will the HDMI work on its own. Not sure why there are 2 feeds into the TV?
Question. My tv is mounted on the wall with wires fixed into the wall. Can this work off HDMI only and a tv aerial in, does the white tv out need to be fitted as this would cause me issues with the wires being in the wall and not having this one
The TV out would only be needed if you wanted to watch freeview on your tv.
If you're only going to be using the Manhattan to watch freeview, then you wont need to connect the TV out 👍
Can it work in Jamaica 🇯🇲?
Thanks for the video, was going to buy one however after watching this I discovered I needed an aerial. Would I be able to use my sky dish? Unhook the sky box and use the same cable to connect the manhattan?.
No, this requires an aerial. Have a look to see if they do a Freesat version. You will need a Freesat box to record/watch with a satellite dish 👍
Thanks for watching 😉
Can I use this just through a standard TV aerial with no wi-fi. My mum doesn't have broadband so is happy simply to watch channels available via aerial and record as and when?
Yes all recorder boxes work without Wi-Fi.
Is the remote RF capable as well as IR (I.e. you don't need line of sight to operate it) MTIA.
It’s ir
Nice video 👍What type of cable do I need to connect the box to the tv ?
Cheers 👍 HDMI, there's a cable provided in the box ready for you to use 👍
@@IXISonTech I have the outside arial cable but I see you have two cables one white and the other black
Oh, yeah, one is from the aerial, the other goes to the aerial input on your TV so you can still get freeview on your TV 👍
@@IXISonTech So I just buy that one separate
Yes, unless you've got one already from an existing box. They're called an aerial extension cable 👍
Thanks for this video. I just bought one of these. Ditching the virgin.
OMG the background music!!!
TURN IT OFF!
Good day my name is Rodney Peters I am from South Africa just want to know if this free sat box will work in my country and what it will cost.
Its not Freesat, its Freeview. It'll only work with an aerial, not a satellite dish sorry.
Not sure what tv broadcast system you use over there, but this will work with DVB-T & DVB-T2 transmissions.
If you need satellite, looks for DVB-S & DVB-S2 for HD tv 👍
Did the work in South Africa 🇿🇦?
Had mine for 2 weeks. Crashes/freezes constantly. Should have just bought a high end Panasonic freeview recorder.
If you got a new smart tv there is need to get this box just plug in sat dish in to your tv job done & saves you ££££ !
Yes, but you can only record 1 channel while watching another ONLY if the other channel is on the same duplex. Orrr, your tv has twin tuners (not many do, just freeview & feeesat).
Hi I had hd channels and then had a power cut and now only got 51 channels found on retune and no hd any idea why ?
More than likely the rainy weather ☹️ when it's raining where I am, some of my SD channels are choppy.
Plus I know in some areas, HD channels have been removed ☹️
Try a retune when the weather is better 👍🤞🤞
I’ve done that mate retuned the box with no joy and it’s really nice here , what if I buy better cables to go from the box to the connection in the wall ? I’m in a new build house
Will this work in the USA with outdoor antenna??
I'm not 100% sure if the USA uses DVB-T or DVB-T2 broadcasts, I know you have ATSC or something like that over there.
Plus the voltage in the UK is 240V 50hz whereas USA is 120V 60hz. If they sell this in the USA and you live in an area with good TV reception, then go for it 👍
Can I record from my Android tv box?
Not unless your android tv box outputs dvb-t signal. This recorder cant record through the HDMI port.
Could the HDD be upgraded to a 4TB?
New subscriber here in 2022
Hi, not sure really. The recorder is still under warranty, so dont want to go taking it apart just yet 😬
Thanks for the sub 👍
Also how come it's so expensive. says 245 on the website. buying a tv with freeview built in is cheaper
Why are you useing the TOSLINK? you get better bandwidth with HDMI
Because my receiver doesnt have HDMI's (its a bit old now).
Hi iv just got one of these. As I’m leaving sky. I’m trying to set it up using the sky dish but it will not pick anything up is this something you’ve come across before
This is a Freeview recorder and will only work with a rooftop/indoor aerial, it wont work with a satellite dish. You should've gone for a Freesat recorder to use with a satellite dish
@@IXISonTech nice one thanks
Can some kind person help me pls? set this recorder up for a friend on Monday now the sound isnt working so have to revert back to the TV .
Is the audio description set to on? If so, turn it off.
Have you tried a different HDMI cable?
@@IXISonTech Thanks for reply very much appreciated yes tried a new HDMI cable but where is or how do we find the audio switch to turn it off,having never set anything like this up before we are both novices at it.
Do I need an optical lead ?
Only if you're connecting it to an AV receiver/amp or a soundbar that doesnt have E-arc HDMI.
Otherwise, just plug the HDMI in to your TV and the sound will come through your tv speakers from the Manhattan box 👍
Can I watch TH-cam with it
I haven’t got a Ariel so has to be WiFi only..What won’t I get ?
You won't be able to pick up all your usual freeview channels they are are available via an aerial
Or get a freesat box and a satellite dish
Having had my Manhattan sat in a box for ages I’ve now found some time to install 😊.
Can anyone advise me on how I connect my sound bar?
Do I connect it to the Manhattan using the optical cable? Or do I leave it as it is by having the optical cable from my Samsung TV directly into the sound-bar (I.e does it still work that way)
I’d appreciate any guidance here?
Thanks
Julze
Just keep the optical from the TV to soundbar 👍
@@IXISonTech
Thanks that’s a great help
Enjoy the rest of the Christmas break, and have a Happy New Year.
Julze
Happy holidays 🥳 and you have a great New year too 🥂🍻
Netflix and Disney + apps?
There is no app store on this, so no Netflix or Disney+
Anyone know why it keeps missing the end of recorded programmes, is there a way to a adjust the offset timings? Seems to happen quite a lot. Thanks!
Refer to the "Padding" options. It's mentioned in the video
Gosh that must be so annoying, sorry that’s happening
This is a great video and told me all I needed to know, but please please get rid of that music.
You like watching BBC 'News' 👀
Probably won't even get message update technology so fast. Sure my granddaughter was born with a phone in her hand. Not easy
This was such a comprehensive review spoilt by some irritating background music!!!!
Nice review, thanks but I feel the need to tell you that the eighth letter of the alphabet is pronounced 'aitch' and not 'haitch'. It so grates when I hear folk say 'haitch DMI, N haitch S' etc.
Im British, so was brought up to say 'haitch' this and that. Good day sir 👋
@@IXISonTech I too am British, only I was brought up to speak English. There is only one way and that is the right way irrespective to what you were 'taught'. Look in a dictionary....if you have one ;-)
No it's H as in horrible
Orrible is just bad prenounceation
@@ericp202And 'prenounceation' is terrible spelling!
Sorry I couldn't watch it all because of the AWFUL music.
God the music is awful, please don’t add it next time!
Hi can you seriously help a stupid old woman. I've had this box sitting for probably couple of years now. Son stayed last year with his family. Said it was easy. Ok but didn't take time to show old person stupid with technology. Sorry. Smart tv maybe but am not. HD1 HD2 I just can't seem to get it. Thank you in advance much appreciated
Driven away by hideously annoying music loops 🤮
Crap just get a cheap one off ebay
Bit of a mumbler.gave up.
No such thing has a high speed hdmi lead they either work or they don't & I have a 4K Tv & don't see the point because 4K is not broadcasted on Free View or normal channels